Los Angeles Kings' Struggles Continue Despite Playoff Position
The Los Angeles Kings have found themselves in a challenging stretch, losing 12 of their last 14 games. Despite this slump, they maintain a position in the playoff race, currently sitting fourth in the Pacific Division and holding onto the first wild card spot from the Western Conference. However, with seven of their next eight games scheduled on the road, the team faces a critical juncture that could define their season.
McLellan's Tenure and Support from Management
Head coach Todd McLellan is in his fifth season at the helm for the Kings. His tenure has been recently solidified with a contract extension that sees him committed to the club through the 2024-25 season. General Manager Rob Blake has expressed his support for McLellan, signaling confidence in his coaching despite the team's current struggles. This endorsement suggests that the organization believes in McLellan's ability to steer the ship back on course.
McLellan himself has taken responsibility for the Kings' recent downturn. "I'm responsible for this," he stated, reflecting on the disparity between the team's strong start and its current performance. The head coach is actively seeking solutions, attempting various strategies to ignite a turnaround. "We're trying different things at different times. But I'm going to keep pushing away. I'm going to try and push buttons, poke people, praise people, look at how we do things," McLellan explained.
Underlying Numbers Versus Results
The Kings' underlying statistics suggest that the team should be performing better than what the win column indicates. McLellan acknowledges the discrepancy, noting that while the numbers favor the team's early-season form, the wins are ultimately what matter. This gap between analytics and outcomes has raised questions about the true potential of the roster and whether it can recapture its earlier success.
Player Perspectives on Team Performance
Anze Kopitar, one of the team's leaders, has emphasized the importance of player performance. He pointed out that while the coaching staff provides the game plan and structure, it ultimately falls on the players to execute on the ice. "It comes down to this room," Kopitar said, underscoring the responsibility of the players to deliver results.
Drew Doughty echoed this sentiment, stressing the need for collective effort and selflessness. According to Doughty, every player must contribute their maximum effort, acknowledging that individual performances can fluctuate but team effort should remain consistent. "We feel that every single player on this team needs to give 100-percent effort," Doughty asserted. He also highlighted the team's approach to success, which relies on unity and playing for each other rather than individual heroics. "If we play together, we're going to win games," Doughty concluded, reinforcing the Kings' team-first philosophy.
Recent Home Stand and Playoff History
The Kings recently completed a four-game homestand with a record of 1-2-1, a stretch that did little to alleviate concerns about their direction. Yet, the team has demonstrated resilience in the past, making the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons. This track record of success provides a glimmer of hope that the Kings can regroup and secure their place in the postseason once again.
In conclusion, while the Los Angeles Kings face significant challenges, there remains a belief within the organization that they can overcome this rough patch. With the backing of management, the determination of the coaching staff, and the accountability of the players, the Kings aim to right the ship and return to their winning ways. As they embark on a crucial road trip, the coming games will be pivotal in determining whether they can translate their underlying strengths into the victories needed to solidify their playoff aspirations.